I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
A Gentle King Who Makes Peace
Centuries before Jesus, the prophet Zechariah had spoken to a defeated, downtrodden Israel, promising a king who would come not in power or might but humbly, on a donkey. That king would establish peace, not by force, but by the Spirit.
When the crowds welcomed Jesus during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, convinced He was this king, they hoped He would overthrow Rome and restore Israel's independence. But Jesus didn’t meet their expectations. Instead of raising a sword, He surrendered peacefully. He endured mockery, injustice, and the cross with humility and love.
Jesus wasn’t just any king; He was the King who makes peace—peace between God and humanity and, through Him, peace among people. His kingdom isn't about power plays or revenge but about reconciliation and grace.
Jesus' gentle reign challenges us to love even our enemies, just as he loved us.
Reordering Our Priorities
The northern tribes of Israel in Amos' time seemed like they were doing all the right things. They offered sacrifices to God and were exact in their religious observations. And yet, the book of Amos is written to them as a warning—a warning that destruction that would befall them if they refused to change?
Why?
Because they had neglected the true heart of loving and worshiping God.
While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that God wanted to address. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.
Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly. We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.
Just as James 1:27 tells us, true religion includes helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress. James goes on to write ...
